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CLASSICAL CHINA WITH HONG KONG EXTENSION

Day 1 - (Thu.) Board your transpacific flight.

Day 2 - Arrive in Beijing, China. (Fri.) Welcome to China's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 3 - Beijing. (Sat.) Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China's great emperors. Nearby is 100-acre TIAN - ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds and situated on Kunming Lake. This evening, savor a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Beijing. (Sun.) The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China's barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNÉ WORKSHOP and see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight, experience local culture at the PEKING OPERA, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful makeup being applied to the performers. (B,L)

Day 5 - Beijing - Xi - an. (Mon.) This morning, enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing's HUTONGS, the city's ancient alleys. During this visit you - re welcomed into the courtyard of a family's home and a daycare center to experience life in this historic neighborhood. A short flight brings you to the city of Xi - an in central China. Look forward to this evening's highlight, "The Tang Dynasty" DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D)

Day 6 - Xi - an. (Tue.) One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi - an today is an archaeological treasure-trove. Sightseeing begins with a visit to the DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. In 1974, the TOMB of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. (B,L)

Day 7 - Xi - an - Hangzhou. (Wed.) Fly to Hangzhou with its beautiful gardens and picturesque surroundings. Sightseeing includes visits to the PAGODA OF SIX HARMONIES and LINGYIN TEMPLE. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Hangzhou - Wuzhen'Suzhou. (Thu.) Enjoy a leisurely morning CRUISE on the West Lake; sights include a collection of ancient bridges, causeways, temples, and palaces with well-manicured gardens and rock sculptures. View Three Moon Reflection Island prior to traveling by motorcoach to Wuzhen, a 1,000-year-old water town with ancient homes, workshops, and stores still standing on the banks of the rivers. Continue on to Suzhou, renowned for its silk factories. Here you - ll visit the INSTITUTE OF EMBROIDERY to witness local artists making vibrant and elegant Chinese silk embroidery and marvel at the display of stunning Ming Dynasty Imperial Robes. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Suzhou'Shanghai. (Fri.) This morning's sightseeing includes a visit to the tranquil GARDEN OF THE MASTER'S FISHING NET, designed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). The garden is an architectural achievement for its illusionary use of space, making it seem much larger than its actual size. Then, enjoy a boat ride on the OLD CANAL and visit a SILK-REELING FACTORY. Continue by motorcoach to Shanghai, China's most populous city and center of trade and industry. Tonight there will be plenty of time to enjoy the city, shop some of the 400 stores on Nanjing Road and the famous Friendship Store on the Bund, or be amazed at the fabulous acrobatic show optional tour. (B,L)

Day 10 - Shanghai. (Sat.) Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city's riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. You - ll visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and visit the CHILDREN'S PALACE, one of China's famous kindergartens. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Shanghai - Hong Kong. (Sun.) Fly to Hong Kong, Asia's vibrant commercial capital. Your approach is a memorable experience, with sweeping views of the countless islands dotting the South China Sea. Check into your hotel. Evening at leisure. (B)

Day 12 - Hong Kong. (Mon.) During today's sightseeing tour, take a cable tramcar up VICTORIA PEAK for a panoramic view of this one-of-a-kind port city. Continue to Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, then to the Aberdeen fishing village where you will enjoy a SAMPAN RIDE on the harbor. Next stop is STANLEY MARKET and its narrow streets filled with inexpensive clothing and arts and crafts stalls. The remainder of the day is free for you to experience the city at your own pace. (B)

Day 13 - Hong Kong. (Tue.) A free day to explore this exciting city. You may wish to sign up for an optional excursion to learn about Hong Kong's history. Perhaps a full-day outing to visit Macau. Shopping is always a highlight of Hong Kong. There are markets, malls, and shops to fit any budget and taste. For those who want to try out some of the local fare, head over to Lan Kwai Fong Street. (B)

Day 14 - (Wed.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)